RECOGNIZING APRIL 25TH, 2026, AS "DIABETIC RETINOPATHY SCREENING DAY" IN DELAWARE.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Poore & Rep. Heffernan & Rep. Hilovsky

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 176

RECOGNIZING APRIL 25TH, 2026, AS "DIABETIC RETINOPATHY SCREENING DAY" IN DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, diabetes affects a growing number of Delawareans and remains the leading cause of preventable vision loss and blindness in working-age adults; and

WHEREAS, diabetic retinopathy is a common and potentially sight-threatening complication of diabetes that often has no symptoms in its early stages, making regular eye screening essential for early detection and timely treatment; and

WHEREAS, vision loss from diabetic eye disease is largely preventable with appropriate screening, early diagnosis, and access to high-quality eye care; and

WHEREAS, increasing public awareness about the importance of routine diabetic eye screening is a critical step toward improving health outcomes, reducing health disparities, and protecting the vision and independence of individuals living with diabetes across Delaware; and

WHEREAS, the Delaware Academy of Ophthalmology (DAO), representing board-certified ophthalmologists across the state, is committed to advancing eye health through patient care, education, advocacy, and community outreach; and

WHEREAS, the Delaware Optometric Association (DeOA), representing optometrists across the state, plays a vital role in expanding access to vision care, early detection of diabetic eye disease, and connecting patients to appropriate follow-up care; and

WHEREAS, on April 25

th

, 2026, diabetic retinopathy screening events will be offered at participating hospitals, clinics, and community health centers throughout the State of Delaware to increase access to sight-saving care for individuals living with diabetes; and

WHEREAS, the Delaware Academy of Ophthalmology and the Delaware Optometric Association work collaboratively with community partners, health systems, and public health organizations to promote diabetic eye disease screening and strengthen referral pathways for patients at risk of vision loss; and

WHEREAS, initiatives to promote diabetic retinopathy screening align with Delaware’s broader public health goals to improve chronic disease management, address inequities in access to care, and reduce preventable disability.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that April 25

th

, 2026, is recognized as “Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Day”; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all Delawareans, particularly those living with diabetes, are encouraged to prioritize regular comprehensive eye examinations and screening for diabetic eye disease as an essential part of their health care.

SYNOPSIS

This concurrent resolution recognizes April 25th, 2026, as "Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Day" in Delaware and encourages all Delawareans, particularly those living with diabetes, to prioritize regular comprehensive eye examinations and screening for diabetic eye disease as an essential part of their health care.

Author: Senator Poore